Catching Up With Renee Watson!

Forman Scholar Renee Watson graduated from Vassar College in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a pathway in Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity. Renee plans to head to Barcelona, Spain, in October for a four-week program to obtain her TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. We recently caught up with Renee to learn more about her college experience and her plans for the future.

How did you get involved at Vassar College? 

During my time at Vassar, I always sought out ways to immerse myself in campus life. I worked at the campus library all four years, grounding myself in academics while forming new relationships with students and staff. I also participated in two dance organizations on campus, KoDC and HYPE, which gave me a creative outlet and a strong sense of community. Additionally, I took on leadership roles in several student organizations. I served as the Social Media Chair for both KoDC and the Black Student Union. During my senior year, I joined the executive board of the Council of ALANA Seniors, an organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting students of color during their final year. I was also managed the Instagram page, where I designed promotional materials and helped ensure all students were informed and included. These experiences allowed me to leave a lasting mark on Vassar’s community while honing my leadership and creative skills.

What’s something you know now that you wish you knew during your first semester?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in college was to ask for help when needed, especially by going to office hours. During my first semester, I was enrolled in an anthropology course, and it was my first time even encountering the word "anthropology." I often found myself lost during lectures but never wanted to admit it. I kept quiet and struggled in silence instead of asking for help. It wasn’t until junior year that I finally started visiting my professors during office hours, and everything changed. I recommend always going to office hours because you will gain so much clarity and confidence, as well as build strong relationships with instructors. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

How did you overcome adversity and the challenges of college?

Entering this new environment at Vassar was an adjustment for me. Coming from a background where I was part of the majority and entering a space where I became a minority in many ways was a major culture shock. Once I found my community and made friends who shared similar backgrounds and values to mine, I always felt supported and understood. Vassar’s deans also regularly checked in on students and offered honest, heartfelt advice that helped me navigate both personal and academic challenges. I’ll always appreciate all the people I met at Vassar who helped transform my experience and supported me through it.

How do you plan on applying the lessons you’ve learned from college to the betterment of your community?

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Vassar was the importance of community. Whether it’s the overall campus pride or small up-and-coming student organizations, there was always a space waiting with open arms and a willingness to welcome and uplift new voices. I plan on carrying that welcoming energy with me. I want to continue creating spaces that are affirming, supportive and empowering, especially for those who have historically felt overlooked. My goal is to replicate that same sense of community and openness in my professional life and within the communities I serve.

Why are organizations such as the Forman Acton Foundation so important?

The Forman Acton Foundation is so important because they provide so much more than just financial support. They foster a lasting sense of community that stays with you before, during and after college. Personally, the Forman Acton Foundation has had a tremendous impact on my path, offering encouragement and support every step of the way. Now that I’m a part of this community, I look forward to supporting future Scholars through mentorship.  It’s a full-circle experience, one that reflects the power of community investment and shared growth.